SOCIAL SERVICES CAREER TRAINEE

Illinoiscomptroller; Mount Vernon (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% Salary Differential for Bilingual

Job summary

Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking a Social Services Career Trainee to receive on‑the‑job training for six to twelve months while assisting customers seeking public assistance services. You will help manage a caseload across TANF, MANG, SNAP and related programs, and learn to determine continued eligibility and refer clients to appropriate services.

This role requires completing four years of college and offers a pathway into public service with comprehensive benefits and

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in social science or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Receives on the job training for six to twelve months to develop skills for managing a public assistance caseload (TANF, MANG, SNAP, etc.).
• Informs clients about changes in Welfare Programs and encourages participation in programs.
• Trains in budgeting, eligibility, and case status updates, including changes in address and household composition.
• Performs other duties as required within the scope of public assistance services.
• Works to help Illinois residents access available DHS programs and services.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 57827
Opening Date:10/02/2026
Closing Date:10/16/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:SOCIAL SERVICES CAREER TRAINEE - 41320
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $4,747-$6,446/month ($56,964-$77,352/year)
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:5
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 333 Potomac Blvd, Mount Vernon, Illinois, 62864

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required,a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Family and Community Services is seeking to hire an energetic and detail-oriented Social Services Career Trainee to receive on the job training for a period of six to twelve months in receiving and assisting customers seeking public assistance services available through Department of Human Services (DHS) programs in the Jefferson Office. This position will develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to manage a public assistance caseload such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) including earned income cases, Medical Assistance No Grant (MANG) including Spenddown cases, Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), Group Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other such cases. This position also informs clients of the changes in the State’s Welfare Programs, work incentive programs, child support services and encourages client participation in these programs; receives training in managing earned income cases and in determining continued eligibility for TANF; evaluates requests and identifies special needs of client for referral to appropriate services; and receives training in records and updating case status changes, such as change in address, unit composition and number, budget computation, SNAP and medical eligibility. The Division helps Illinois residents by connecting them with many programs and services. Through our programs, services and prevention efforts, the Division improves the health and well-being of individuals and promotes self-sufficiency and integrity of families of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Receives on the job training for a period of six to twelve months to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to manage a public assistance caseload such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) including earned income cases, Medical Assistance No Grant (MANG) including Spenddown cases, Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), Group Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other such cases.
• Informs clients of the changes in the State’s Welfare Programs, work incentive programs, child support services and encourages client participation in these programs.
• Receives training in managing earned income cases and in determining continued eligibility for TANF.
• Evaluates requests and identifies special needs of client for referral to appropriate services.
• Receives training in records and updating case status changes, such as change in address, unit composition and number, budget computation, SNAP and medical eligibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in social science or a related field of the social sciences.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill®Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).